the Caledonia, which they had passed when
first they had set forth on their voyage. He was confident also that
the coming of the yacht, together with the number of men that comprised
her crew, would be sufficient to overawe the half-dozen men that had
forced their company upon the Go Ahead boys.

"Yonder comes the Caledonia!" he exclaimed suddenly. "They will give us
a lift as soon as they catch up with us."

Instantly the eyes of every one on board the Black Growler were turned
toward the approaching yacht.

Apparently the sight had markedly different effects. The Go Ahead boys
were elated, but their passengers after a hasty glance and a few words
spoken in low tones to one another, instantly seizing their bundles
leaped ashore and ran swiftly toward the road which was not more than
fifty yards distant.

CHAPTER IX

A FRIEND IN NEED

In response to the signal of distress which Fred waved from the deck of
the Black Growler as the Caledonia approached, the speed of the big
yacht was checked and she stopped not far from the motor-boat. It was
still early in the morning and the owners or guests on board the
Caledonia were not seen on deck.

"What's wrong? What's the trouble?" called the captain, leaning over
the rail and speaking to Fred.

"We have had trouble," replied Fred. "A gang of tramps or canal men
forced themselves on board and we have just gotten rid of them. When
they saw the Caledonia coming they all ran."

"Well, if you have got rid of them," said the captain gruffly, "what
more do you want? If you go ahead they won't catch up with you."

"But we can't go ahead."

"Why not?"

"Our gasoline is out."

"We don't run by gasoline," said the captain, "and I'm afraid steam
wouldn't do you any good."

"Perhaps you might give us a tow as far as Rome."

"Perhaps we might and then--"

"What's the trouble?" Fred looked up quickly as he saw a man about
fifty years of age approaching the rail and standing near the captain
of the yacht. He wore a yachting cap and it was plain to the perplexed
boy that he either was the owner of the beautiful boat or one whose
word counted for much.

"We have had our troubles," explained Fred once more. "A gang of tramps
forced their way on board our boat and they have just left us. Our
gasoline is out and I was asking the captain if he would be willing to
give us a tow as far as Rome."

"Of course he will," said the man heartily. "Have you got a painter
long en